Too Much Excitement

May 14, 1986

CERRO GUACAMAYA, EL SALVADOR — Reporters traveling with an army unit on a sweep in the northeastern province of Morazan saw a soldier hold up two ears to prove that one guerrilla was killed during a firefight near Cerro Guacamaya. Other soldiers said it was not uncommon to cut off the ears of dead rebels to verify enemy casualties to commanders. Officers say they frown on the practice. However, one lieutenant did venture an explanation of it: ''Sometimes in battle, my men get excited and cut the ears off the dead terrorists. It is not something we order, but sometimes the excitement of the moment overcomes them.'' Lt. Col. Mauricio Vargas, military commander in Morazan, said the practice is against orders and offenders will be punished.